5.56-mm Cartridges
The 5.56-mm NATO cartridge may be identified by its appearance, the painting of
projectile tips, the stamping of the manufacturer's initials and year of manufacture on the base of
the cartridge case, and the markings on the packing containers. When removed from the original
packing container, the cartridge may be identified by its physical characteristics. The M193 and
M196 cartridge for the M16 can be fired with the M249, but accuracy is degraded; therefore, it
should only be used in emergency situations when M855 or M856 ammunition is not available.
Sources and Resources
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/556.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Saturday, September 12, 1998 6:35:55 AM